09/02/2026
My name is Emily Law and I am writing to you from HFX, a Washington DC-based, independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization that convenes the annual Halifax International Security Forum, which POLITICO describes as “a major annual national security conference that brings together democracy advocates from around the world.”
Featured on CBC News: The National, 15@15: Youth Building Democracy is a global youth competition now open for applications. This year, we are again offering winners an all-expense-paid trip for themselves and a parent or legal guardian to attend the 2026 Halifax International Security Forum, taking place in Nova Scotia, Canada from November 20–22, 2026.
During the Forum, participants will have the opportunity to meet influential global leaders and engage in discussions on international security. In previous years, 15@15 winners have joined conversations with leaders such as Canada’s Minister of National Defence and the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, and have showcased their ideas to representatives from more than 80 countries participating in the Forum.
Eligibility and Program Support
Open to anyone born in 2011
Free to participate
Application requirement: submit a 15-second video about one positive change the applicant would like to see within the next 15 years to make the world more secure.
Travel and accommodation during the 2026 Halifax International Security Forum will be fully covered for the winners and one accompanying parent or legal guardian.
The creation of the application video could be a great classroom or extracurricular project.
How you can help:
Share the attached flyer, 15@15 video, and program application link on your website, email updates, social media, or newsletters
Mention the competition during classes, programs, events, or parent communications
Directly encourage eligible 15-year-olds to apply
The application deadline is September 15 at 11:59 PM ET. Full details are available here: https://events.halifaxtheforum.org/15at15. To read the 2026 15@15 press release, please visit: https://halifaxtheforum.org/press/hfx-announces-opening-of-annual-global-competition-1515-youth-building-democracy-2/
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me directly at [email protected].
Thank you in advance for your support. We look forward to receiving submissions from your community!
Sincerely,
Emily Law
Important Dates:
Competition Closes: September 15, 2026 | 11:59pm ET
2026 Halifax International Security Forum: November 20-22, 2026
For More Information:
To read the 2026 15@15 press release, please visit: https://halifaxtheforum.org/press/hfx-announces-opening-of-annual-global-competition-1515-youth-building-democracy-2/
For more information about 15@15: Youth Building Democracy, including application instructions, please visit: https://events.halifaxtheforum.org/15at15
To learn more about HFX and Halifax International Security Forum, please visit: https://hfx.halifaxtheforum.org/
To view CBC News: The National’s report on 15@15 competition, please visit: https://youtu.be/5DpDADNDi0I?si=JKWw1jktyGD4gE6G
To watch the 15@15 call for applications video, please visit: https://youtu.be/iNt3qTrwAqg
HFX - 15@15: Youth Building Democracy http://halifaxtheforum.org/
